Display control apparatus, imaging system, control method, and recording medium for displaying an image and an indicator in a screen including a first region and a second region

ABSTRACT

A control apparatus is provided and includes a display control unit configured to control a display unit to display part or all of an image in a first region on a display screen displayed by the display unit. The image indicates an imaging range which an imaging apparatus can image by changing the imaging range. A change control unit is configured to change, on the image indicating the range which an imaging apparatus can image, a position or size of an image to be displayed in the first region by the display control unit. An output unit is configured to output an instruction to cause the imaging apparatus to image an imaging range corresponding to a range indicating an image displayed in a second region which is a part of the first region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/678,996 filed on Aug. 16, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/567,882 filed Dec. 11, 2014 which has issued asU.S. Pat. No. 107,983,905, which claims the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2013-261495, filed Dec. 18, 2013, the disclosures ofeach are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus which controls theimaging range of an imaging apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, there has been known a technology to operate an imagingdirection or zooming of an imaging apparatus from a client apparatus viaa network. There is also known a technology to display, on a clientapparatus, a panorama image indicating a range which can be imaged bythe imaging apparatus changing the imaging direction or zoom. JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2007-43505 discloses a technology where, upon auser specifying a position in a panorama image displayed on the clientdevice, the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus is changed to adirection according to the specified position on the panorama image.Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-43505 discloses updating thedisplay of the panorama image upon the user specifying a position on thepanorama image, so that the center of the panorama image displayed onthe client apparatus, and the position on the panorama image where theuser has specified, match.

However, there have been cases in the conventional method where it isdifficult for the user to specify desired positions in a range which theimaging apparatus is capable of imaging (e.g., a desired position on apanorama image) For example, in a case of displaying a panorama image ona small-sized display of a mobile terminal or the like, there have beencases where it is difficult for the user to specify a desired range on apanorama image, since the displayed panorama image itself is small.There have further been cases where the user cannot change the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus to a desired range, since the desiredrange could not be specified on the panorama image or the like.

SUMMARY

It has been found desirable to facilitate user specification of adesired range within a range which the imaging apparatus is capable ofimaging.

A control apparatus includes: a display control unit configured tocontrol a display unit to display part or all of an image in a firstregion on a display screen displayed by the display unit, the imageindicating an imaging range which an imaging apparatus can image bychanging the imaging range; a change control unit configured to change aposition or size of an image to be displayed in the first region by thedisplay control unit, on the image indicating the range which an imagingapparatus can image; and an output unit configured to output aninstruction to cause the imaging apparatus to image an imaging rangecorresponding to a range indicating an image displayed in a secondregion which is a part of the first region.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for changing theimaging range of an imaging apparatus 110.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for changing theimaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 in the panning direction.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for changing theimaging range of the imaging apparatus in the tilting direction.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for changing thefield of view of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating operations of a terminal apparatusaccording to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating operations of a terminal apparatusaccording to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating region display on the terminalapparatus, out of the range the imaging apparatus can image.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detailwith reference to the attached drawings.

First Embodiment

An imaging system according to the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1 . In the imaging system illustrated in FIG. 1 ,an imaging apparatus 110 and a terminal apparatus 120 are connected viaa network 130. Multiple imaging apparatuses 110 may be connected to thenetwork 130.

The imaging apparatus 110 is an imaging apparatus capable of changingimaging range and performing imaging. The imaging apparatus 110 may be anetwork camera, for example.

The terminal apparatus 120 is a control apparatus which performs controlso as to change the imaging range where the imaging apparatus 110performs imaging. The terminal apparatus 120 may be a personal computer(PC), for example. Alternately, the terminal apparatus 120 may be amobile terminal, such as a tablet terminal, smartphone, or the like.

Imaged images which the imaging apparatus 110 has imaged are transmittedto the terminal apparatus 120 via the network 130, and displayed on adisplay unit 125 of the terminal apparatus 120.

The terminal apparatus 120 displays part or all of a panorama image,which is an image indicating a range which the imaging apparatus 110 iscapable of imaging by changing the imaging direction and field of image,on the display unit 125.

The terminal apparatus 120 can change, of the range which the imagingapparatus 110 is capable of imaging by changing the imaging directionand field of image, a range corresponding to a first region (region 222in FIG. 2 ) on the display screen of the terminal apparatus 120, basedon the operations made as to the display screen.

While description will be made in the present embodiment regarding acase where the terminal apparatus 120 has a display unit 125, this isnot restrictive. The terminal apparatus 120 may control an externaldisplay device connected to the terminal apparatus 120 so as to displaythe imaged image received from the imaging apparatus 110 on the displaydevice.

The network 130 is configured including, for example, the Internet, acabled local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a wide area network(WAN), or analog cables or the like. There are no restrictions regardingthe communication standards, scale factor, and configuration of thenetwork 130. For example, Ethernet (a registered trademark) or the likemay be used as a LAN communication standard.

First, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 110 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1 . An imaging unit 113 images a subject andgenerates an imaged image. The imaging unit 113 is configured includinga lens, an imaging device such as a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), and so forth. The imaging device converts an imageof the subject formed by the lens into image signals, thus generating animaged image. The imaging direction of the imaging unit 113 can bechanged by control by a later-described driving control unit 114.

An image processing unit 116 performs image processing on the imagesignals generated by the imaging unit 113. The image processing unit 116performs encoding of the image which the imaging unit 113 has imaged,for example. Examples of encoding formats include Joint PhotographyExperts Group (JPEG). Also, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (hereinafter H.264) may beused as an encoding format. Alternatively, the High Efficiency videoCoding (HEVC) encoding format may be used as an encoding format.Encoding formats are not restricted to these. Also, the image processingunit 116 may select an encoding format from multiple encoding formats toperform encoding.

The image processing unit 116 generates a panorama image where an imagedimage, that has been imaged in multiple imaging directions by theimaging unit 113, is composited. The image processing unit 116 accordingto the present embodiment generates a panorama image of a regioncorresponding to a range where the imaging apparatus 110 can image bychanging the imaging direction and zooming. Examples of panorama imageencoding formats which can be used include JPEG, Portable NetworkGraphics (PNG), Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), Bit Map Image (BMP),and so forth. Alternatively encoding formats such as H.264, HEVC, and soforth, can be used as panorama image encoding methods.

While an example of the image processing unit 116 of the imagingapparatus 110 generating a panorama image will be described here, thisis not restrictive. The terminal apparatus 120 may generate a panoramaimage. That is to say, the terminal apparatus 120 may composite multipleimaged images received from the imaging apparatus 110 to generate apanorama image. Alternatively, an unshown server connected to thenetwork 130 may composite multiple imaged images imaged by the imagingapparatus 110 to generate a panorama image. The terminal apparatus 120may acquire panorama images which the server has generated via thenetwork 130. Which apparatus generates the panorama images is notrestricted in particular.

The driving control unit 114 performs control to change the imagingdirection and field of view of the imaging unit 113. In the presentembodiment, the driving control unit 114 performs control to change theimaging direction of the imaging unit 113 in the panning direction andin the tilting direction. The driving control unit 114 in the presentembodiment also changes the field of view of the imaging range of theimaging unit 113 by changing the zooming factor.

While the present embodiment describes a case where the imagingapparatus 110 can change the imaging direction in the panning directionand the tilting direction, and the field of view can be changed, this isnot restrictive.

The present invention can also be applied to an imaging apparatus 110which can image in at least two directions, and does not have functionsto change the field of view. Also, the present invention can be appliedto an imaging apparatus not having a function to change the imagingdirection, but having a function to change the imaging field of view.

While the present embodiment describes a case where the imagingapparatus 110 has the driving control unit 114, this is not restrictive.The imaging direction of the imaging unit 113 may be changed by a panhead attached to the imaging apparatus 110.

A storage unit 115 stores imaged images which the imaging unit 113 hasimaged and the image processing unit 116 has subjected to imageprocessing. The storage unit 115 also stores panorama images generatedby the image processing unit 116. The storage unit 115 further holdscontrol parameters which a later-described control unit 112 uses.

The imaged images and panorama images may be stored in an externalstorage unit connected to the imaging apparatus 110. For example, theimaged images and panorama images may be stored in a memory card or thelike mounted to the imaging apparatus 110. Alternatively, the imagedimages and panorama images may be recorded in an unshown NetworkAttached Storage (NAS) or the like connected to the network 130.

A communication unit 111 transmits the imaged images imaged by theimaging unit 113 and subjected to image processing at the imageprocessing unit 116, to the terminal apparatus 120. Also, thecommunication unit 111 transmits the panorama images generated by theimage processing unit 116 to the terminal apparatus 120. Further, thecommunication unit 111 receives control commands for the imagingapparatus 110 from the terminal apparatus 120. Examples of controlcommands for the imaging apparatus 110 include a command instructingchanging of the imaging direction of the imaging unit 113. Examples ofcontrol commands for the imaging apparatus 110 also include a commandinstructing field of view of the imaging unit 113.

The control unit 112 performs control of the components of the imagingapparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 . The control unit 112 may be aprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, forexample. In a case where the control unit 112 is configured as aprocessor, the control unit 112 executes programs stored in the storageunit 115, so as to control the configurations of the imaging apparatus110.

Next, the configuration of the terminal apparatus 120 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1 . A communication unit 121 acquires imagedimages from the imaging apparatus 110. The communication unit 121 alsoacquires panorama images. The communication unit 121 further outputs, tothe imaging apparatus 110, operation instructions to the imagingapparatus 110. Operation instructions are generated based on inputsignals which the user has input by operating a later-describedoperating unit 126 for example, and are transmitted to the imagingapparatus 110.

The communication unit 121 outputs instructions to the imaging apparatus110, to cause the imaging apparatus 110 to image an imaging rangecorresponding to a second region (region indicated by a frame 223) whichis a part of the first region (display region 222) on the display screenof the terminal apparatus 120.

While description is made in the present embodiment regarding a case ofthe terminal apparatus 120 acquiring a panorama image, this is notrestrictive. An image prepared beforehand, indicating a range where theimaging apparatus 110 can image changing the imaging range may be usedinstead of a panorama image. For example, instead of a panorama image, amap of a range over which the imaging apparatus 110 can image changingthe imaging range may be acquired and used. In the same way as with apanorama image, this image is not restricted regarding from where theimage is acquired. This image may be acquired from the imaging apparatus110, or may be acquired from a storage unit 123 of the terminalapparatus 120. Alternatively, this image may be acquired from an unshownstorage device connected to the network 130.

The storage unit 123 holds the imaged images acquired by thecommunication unit 121. The storage unit 123 also holds panorama imagesacquired by the communication unit 121.

The display unit 125 displays imaged images and panorama images undercontrol of a later-described control unit 122. The display unit 125displays the imaged images received from the imaging apparatus 110 onthe display region 221 on the display screen of the terminal apparatus120, which will be described later by way of FIG. 2 . The display unit125 also displays part or all of panorama images in the region 222(first region) on the display screen. The user can change which range ofan entire panorama image to display on the display region 222 byperforming operations on the display screen of the terminal apparatus120.

The display unit 125 further displays the frame 223 superimposed on thepanorama images in the present embodiment. The frame 223 is a framewhich indicates, out of the range of a displayed panorama image, theregion indicating the imaged range to cause the imaging unit 113 of theimaging apparatus 110 to image (second region). The terminal apparatus120 controls the imaging direction and field of view of the imaged imagesuch that the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 is a rangecorresponding to the region indicated by the frame 223 on the panoramaimage.

The terminal apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment outputsan instruction to the imaging apparatus 110, to cause the imagingapparatus 110 to image the imaging range corresponding to the partialsecond region (region indicated by the frame 223) of the first region(display region 222) on the display screen, thus controlling the imagingrange of the imaged image.

The display unit 125 displays the frame 223 at a predetermined positionon the display region 222. For example, the display unit 125 displays aregion which the frame 223 indicates (second region) so as to includethe middle of the display region 222 (first region). Alternatively, anarrangement may be made where the user can set the position where theframe 223 is displayed in the display region 222.

The display unit 125 may switch between displaying and not displayingthe frame 223 in accordance with user instructions. While the presentembodiment is described regarding a case where the display unit 125displays the frame 223, the frame 223 does not necessarily have to bedisplayed.

While description is made in the present embodiment that the size of theframe 223 which the display unit 125 displays is constant, the user maybe able to change the size of the frame 223 as to the size of thedisplay region 222.

The operating unit 126 accepts user operations as to the display screenof the terminal apparatus 120. For example, the operating unit 126accepts operations using a touch panel which the terminal apparatus 120has. The operations which the user performs at the touch panel mayinclude touch operations including tapping, swiping, flicking, pinch-in,pinch-out, and so forth. Alternatively, the operating unit 126 mayaccept user operations using a mouse, keyboard, or the like, connectedto the terminal apparatus 120.

The contents of operations made by the user, and the contents ofoperation instructions which the terminal apparatus 120 outputs to theimaging apparatus 110 in accordance with user operations, will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 5 .

A deciding unit 124 decides the contents of operation instructions totransmit to the imaging apparatus 110, in accordance with the contentsof operations received at the operating unit 126. For example, thedeciding unit 124 decides control values for moving the imagingdirection of the imaging apparatus 110 in the panning direction ortilting direction, in accordance with the operation amount as to theoperating unit 126. Alternatively, the deciding unit 124 decides controlvalues for enlarging or reducing the field of view of the imagingapparatus 110, in accordance with the operation amount as to theoperating unit 126.

The deciding unit 124 may be arranged to decide a changing amount tochange the imaging range, in accordance with only one of the distanceregarding change in position of the image displayed in the displayregion 222, and the rate of change of size of the image displayed in thedisplay region 222.

The communication unit 121 outputs an instruction to change the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus 110 in accordance with the resultsdecided by the deciding unit 124.

The control unit 122 controls the components of the terminal apparatus120 illustrated in FIG. 1 . For example, the control unit 122 performsdisplay control to control the display unit 125 such that imaged images,part of all of panorama images, and the frame 223 are displayed on thedisplay unit 125.

The control unit 122 may be a processor such as a CPU, for example. In acase where the control unit 122 is configured as a processor, thecontrol unit 122 controls the components of the terminal apparatus 120by executing programs stored in the storage unit 123, for example.

Next, an example of changing the imaging range of the imaging apparatus110 by the user operating the terminal apparatus 120 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 2 through 5 .

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the imaging apparatus 110 is anetwork camera regarding which the imaging direction can be changed inthe panning direction and tilting direction. The imaging apparatus 110has a zoom mechanism and can change the field of view of the imagingrange.

In FIG. 2 , a range 210 represents a range for imaging, which can beimaged by changing the imaging direction and field of view of thecamera. Also, in FIG. 2 , frame 211 indicating the imaging rangerepresents the range which the imaging apparatus 110 currently isimaging.

The imaging apparatus 110 composites the multiple imaged images imagedby changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit 113, and generatesa panorama image of the range corresponding to the range 210. Thegenerated panorama image is transmitted to the terminal apparatus 120via the network 130.

While a case will be described regarding the imaging apparatus 110generating and transmitting the panorama image, an arrangement may bemade where the terminal apparatus 120 generates the panorama image usingthe multiple imaged images which the imaging apparatus 110 has imaged.

Also, the terminal apparatus 120 is a table terminal which controls thepanning, tilting, and zooming of the imaging apparatus 110 in theexample in FIG. 2 . The terminal apparatus 120 performs communicationwith the imaging apparatus 110 via the network 130. The terminalapparatus 120 communicates with the imaging apparatus 110 via a wirelessLAN in the example illustrated in FIG. 2 .

The terminal apparatus 120 displays the imaged image which the imagingapparatus 110 has imaged, in the display region 221 on the displayscreen. The terminal apparatus 120 displays part or all of the acquiredpanorama image in the display region 222 in the display screen. Thedisplay layouts of the display region 221 and display region 222 are notrestricted to the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , and are optional.

An arrangement may be made where the terminal apparatus 120 displayspart or all of a map image indicating the range which can be imaged bychanging the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 on the displayregion 222, instead of displaying the panorama image.

Further, the frame 223 is displayed at a predetermined position withinthe display region 222. The frame 223 indicates the range which is theimaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 in the example in FIG. 2 .That is to say, the terminal apparatus 120 displays, in the displayregion 222 (first display region), an image which includes the imagingrange which the imaging apparatus 110 images (the range indicated by theframe 223), and is broader than this imaging range. This display isexecuted by the control unit 122 controlling the display unit 125.

The user can decide which range of the entire panorama image to bedisplayed in the display region 222, by operating the terminal apparatus120. That is to say, the terminal apparatus 120 changes, of the rangewhich the imaging apparatus 110 can image by changing the imaging range(e.g., panorama image), the range to correlate to the first region(display region 222) based on operations accepted from the user. Thischanging control is performed by the control unit 122 changing the imageto display on the display unit 125, based on instructions which theoperating unit 126 has accepted.

For example, the user can position a finger 220 on the image displayedin the display region 222 on the display screen, and perform swipeoperations in the vertical direction, horizontal direction, or diagonaldirection. Thus, out of the regions on the panorama image, the regiondisplayed in the display region 222 can be changed in the verticaldirection, horizontal direction, or diagonal direction.

Now, a swipe operation is an operation where the finger 220 is movedbetween two points on the screen in a state of being in contact or inproximity with the operating screen. An operating tool such as a touchpen may be used instead of a finger.

Also, the user can position fingers 220 on the image displayed in thesecond display region 222 on the display screen, and perform a pinch-inor pinch-out operation, thereby reducing or enlarging, of the region onthe panorama image, the region displayed in the second display region.

Now, a pinch-in operation is an operation where the distance between afirst finger and a second finger is reduced in a state of the firstfinger and the second finger being in contact or in proximity with theoperating screen. A pinch-out operation is an operation where thedistance between the first finger and the second finger is increased ina state of the first finger and the second finger being in contact or inproximity with the operating screen. Operating tools such as touch pensmay be used instead of fingers.

The user performs operation to change the range of the image displayedin the display region 222 (first region), so that an image in a rangecorresponding to the range which the user wants to cause the imagingapparatus 110 to image, is displayed in the region indicated by theframe 223 (second region).

Now, the operating unit 126 of the terminal apparatus 120 is capable ofaccepting operations as to, of the first region (display region 222), aregion not including the second region (region indicated by the frame223). Accordingly, the user can change the range to be displayed in therange within the frame 223, even if operations a made regarding, of thedisplay region 222, a region not including the region which the frame223 indicates. The range displayed in the region within the frame 223 isa range corresponding to the imaging range which is to be imaged by theimaging apparatus 110.

The user can change the range displayed in the frame 223 and thus changethe imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, by performing operationsas to the display region 222 which is a larger region than the regionwithin the frame 223.

Thus, the user can easily specify a desired range in the range which theimaging apparatus 110 is capable of imaging. Note that the desired rangehere is a range corresponding to an imaging range which the userspecifies as to the imaging apparatus 110.

Accordingly, the user can easily change the imaging range of the imagingapparatus 110 in comparison with a case where the imaging range of theimaging apparatus 110 is to be changed by changing the size and positionof a frame on a panorama image displayed on the display screen.

The terminal apparatus 120 transmits an operation instruction to theimaging apparatus 110, to drive the imaging apparatus 110 such that theregion of the subject corresponding to the image displayed within theframe 223 is the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110.

A case where the range of the entire panorama image, and the range whichthe imaging apparatus 110 can image by changing the direction of imagingand the field of view, correspond, will be described in the presentembodiment. The terminal apparatus 120 outputs instructions to changethe imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, such that thecorrelation between the entire panorama image and the range of the frame223 correspond to the correlation between the range which the imagingapparatus 110 can image and the imaging range of the imaging apparatus110.

That is to say, the relative position of the second region (regionindicated by the frame 223) in the range which the imaging apparatus 110can image by changing the imaging range corresponds to the relativeposition of the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 as to therange which the imaging apparatus 110 can image by changing the imagingrange.

Also, the field of view of the imaging apparatus is changed, so that thesize of the range displayed in the second region as to the range whichthe imaging apparatus 110 can image by changing the imaging rangecorresponds to the size of the imaging range of the imaging apparatus110 as to the range which the imaging apparatus 110 can image bychanging the imaging range.

A case of panning the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 inthe right direction by operating the terminal apparatus 120 in thepresent embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . In acase where the user desires to pan the imaging direction of the imagingapparatus 110 in the right direction, the user performs a swipeoperation from a position 320 to a position 321 in a state of a fingerbeing in contact or in proximity with the display region 222. Theposition of the image displayed in the display region 222 is moved tothe right on the displayed panorama image due to this swipe operationperformed by the user.

The position 320 for the finger to come into contact with to pan theimaging direction may be a region other than the frame 223 within thedisplay region 222. An arrangement may be made where, in a case wherethe finger touches within the frame 223, the panorama image displayedwithin the display region 222 is not moved but the position of the frame223 is moved.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3 , the image displayed in the frame223 is changed from a state where an image corresponding to the displayregion of the frame 310 is displayed, to a state where an imagecorresponding to the imaging range of the frame 211 is displayed, bythis swipe operation.

Accordingly, the terminal apparatus 120 transmits to the imagingapparatus 110 an instruction to move the imaging range of the imagingapparatus 110 from the range indicated by the frame 310 in FIG. 3 to therange indicated by the frame 211. In a case where the frame 223 ismoved, the imaging apparatus 110 is instructed so as to image the rangeindicated by the frame 223 after movement. Thus, the imaging apparatus110 is controlled to pan in the right direction, so that he imagingrange changes form the range indicated by the frame 310 to the rangeindicated by the frame 211.

Next, a case of tilting the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus110 in the vertical direction by operating the terminal apparatus 120will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . In a case where the userdesires to tilt the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 inthe vertical direction, the user performs a swipe operation from aposition 420 to a position 421 in a state of a finger being in contactor in proximity with the display region 222. The position of the imagedisplayed in the display region 222 changes vertically on the displayedpanorama image in the example illustrated in FIG. 4 . The imagedisplayed within the frame 223 thus changes, and tilt control of theimaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 upwards is performed inthe same way as with the case of the panning operation. According to theoperation example described with reference to FIG. 4 , the imagingdirection of the imaging apparatus 110 is changed from a state ofimaging an imaging range 410 to a state of imaging the imaging range ofthe frame 211. The imaging direction can be diagonally moved, in thesame way.

Next, an example of a case of performing zoom control as to the imagingapparatus 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . The imagedisplayed in the frame 223 is enlarged by the user performing apinch-out operation such that the panorama image displayed in thedisplay region 222 is enlarged. Zoom control of the imaging range of theimaging apparatus 110 is performed to telephoto in accordance with theimage displayed in the frame 223 being enlarged. In the operationexample described with reference to FIG. 5 , the field of view of theimaging apparatus 110 is reduced from the range indicated by the frame510 illustrated in FIG. 5 to the range indicated by the frame 211.

The operation examples described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 5 areonly examples and not restricted thusly. An operation to change theposition of a range of an image displayed in the display region 222 inthe panorama image is not restricted to a touch operation. For example,the user may operate a mouse connected to the terminal apparatus 120 tomove a cursor displayed on the display screen, and move the image bydragging and dropping. Alternatively, a keyboard connected to theterminal apparatus 120 may be operated to change the image displayed inthe display region 222.

Also, the display unit 125 may be arranged to display buttons formoving, enlarging, and reducing a region on the panorama image displayedin the display region 222, on the display screen, with the useroperating the buttons. Alternatively, a slide bar may be displayed alongwith the image in the display region 222, so that moving, enlarging, andreducing of the region displayed in the display region 222 on thepanorama image can be instructed by operating the slide bar.

Next, the operations of the terminal apparatus 120 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 6 . In a form where the control unit 122 of theterminal apparatus 120 has a processor and memory built in, theprocedures illustrated in FIG. 6 are realized by the control unit 122loading a program stored in the storage unit 123 to the memory 104 andexecuting the program. Alternatively, part or all of the processingillustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed by hardware.

In step S601, the control unit 122 accepts user operations input to theoperating unit 126. In a case where the user operations are performed bytouch operations, the operations can be started by the user bringing afinger into contact or proximity with an image displayed on the displayunit 125, for example. Or, the user may start operations by performing adrag operation of an image displayed on the display unit 125.Alternatively, in a case where user operations are to be performed bybuttons or a scroll bar displayed on the display unit 125, useroperations can be started by clicking on a button or starting to move ascroll bar. A drag operation is an operation where the mouse is moved soas to move the cursor over the display screen, with the mouse buttonpressed.

In step S602, the control unit 122 acquires the direction of movement inwhich the region within the frame 223 on the panorama image has moveddue to the user operation. The region within the range 210 whichcorresponds to the display region 222 is changed by the user performingoperations within the display region 222 (e.g., outside of the frame223), as described above. The range 210 is a range capable of imaging,which the imaging apparatus 110 can image by changing the imaging range.The region within the range 210 corresponding to the frame 223 is alsochanged in accordance with this change. The imaging apparatus 110 isinstructed to image the region within the range 210 that corresponds tothe frame 223.

In step S603, the control unit 122 acquires the amount of movement ofwhich the region within the frame 223 has moved on the panorama image bythe user operations. The movement amount of the region within the frame223 may be, for example, the distance over which the center of theregion in the frame 223 has moved over the panorama image, for example.

In step S604, the control unit 122 acquires the amount of change in thesize of the region within the frame 223 on the panorama image due to theuser operations.

In step S605, the control unit 122 decides the direction into which theimaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 is to be changed, basedon the direction of movement acquired in step S602.

In step S606, the control unit 122 decides the amount of change by whichto change the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 from thecurrent imaging direction, in accordance with the amount of movementacquired in step S603.

In step S607, the control unit 122 decides the amount of change to thefield of view of the imaging apparatus 110 by changing the zoomingfactor in accordance with the amount of change acquired in step S604.

In step S608, the control unit 122 controls the communication unit 121so as to output operation instructions to the imaging apparatus 110, forchanging the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110.

The operation instructions output to the imaging apparatus 110 includean instruction of the direction of movement in which to change theimaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110, in accordance with whathas been decided in step S605. The operation instructions output to theimaging apparatus 110 also include an instruction of the amount ofchange in the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110, inaccordance with what has been decided in step S606. The operationinstructions transmitted to the imaging apparatus 110 further include aninstruction of the amount of change of the field of view of the imagingapparatus 110, in accordance with what has been decided in step S607.

In step S609, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the useroperations have stopped. In a case where user operations are performedby touch operations, stopping of user operations can be determined in acase where the finger of the user has been distanced from the displayscreen, for example. Also, in a case where user operations are performedby operating a cursor displayed on the display screen, stopping of useroperations can be determined after an image displayed on the displayunit 125 has been dragged and then dropped, for example. Further, in acase where user operations are performed by buttons or a scroll bardisplayed on the display unit 125, stopping of user operations can bedetermined in a case where clicking of a button has been completed, ormovement of the scroll bar has stopped, for example. Note that a dropoperation as used here is an operation where, in a state that a dragoperation is being performed, an operation to release the mouse buttonis performed.

In a case where determination is performed that operations are ongoing(No in S609), the control unit 122 repeats the operations of steps S601through S608.

On the other hand, in a case where determination is performed thatoperations have stopped (Yes in S609), the control unit 122 ends theprocessing to control the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110.Operation instructions may be transmitted to the imaging apparatus 110after determination is made that the user has stopped operations, whichwill be described later. That is to say, the user may perform operationsas to the display region 222, and after specifying of the imaging rangeafter changing has ended, transmit operation instructions to the imagingapparatus 110.

Next, the region displayed on the terminal apparatus 120 out of therange which the imaging apparatus 110 can image will be described withreference to FIG. 8 . A point Q in FIG. 8 illustrates the position atwhich the imaging apparatus 110 has been set up. A range 210 in FIG. 8illustrates the range which the imaging apparatus 110 can image bychanging the imaging direction and field of view. The region which theentire panorama image indicates corresponds to the entire range 210 inthe present embodiment.

A range 822 in FIG. 8 illustrates a region of a subject corresponding toan image displayed in the display region 222 on the terminal apparatus120. Also, a range 823 in FIG. 8 illustrates a region of the subjectcorresponding to the image displayed in the frame 223 on the terminalapparatus 120. Also, a range 823 illustrates a region of the subjectcorresponding to the image displayed in the display region 222 on theterminal apparatus 120. Further, the range 823 illustrates the imagingrange which the imaging apparatus 110 images in accordance withinstructions from the terminal apparatus 120.

The range 823 is subjected to enlarging, reducing, and moving on therange 210, while maintaining a relative relationship with the range 822.The relative relationship between the range 822 and the range 823includes the relatively positional relationship between the range 822and the range 823. The relative relationship between the range 822 andthe range 823 includes the relatively relationship regarding size (e.g.,area) between the range 822 and the range 823.

The user can decide the position and size of the range 822 in the range210 by deciding the range of the panorama image which is displayed onthe display region 222 by operating the terminal apparatus 120.

The range of the range 822 in the range 210 changes by the useroperating the terminal apparatus 120 to change the range of the panoramaimage displayed in the display region 222.

The position and size of the range 823 in the range 210 is changed whilemaintaining the relative relationship with the range 822, in accordancewith change in the range of the range 822.

Thus, the user can change the position and size of the range 823 in therange 210, indicating the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, bychanging the range of the panorama image displayed in the display region222, by operating the terminal apparatus 120.

As described above, the terminal apparatus 120 can change the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus 110 so that the range corresponding tothe image displayed in the frame 223 is the imaging range of the imagingapparatus 110.

According to the present embodiment, the user can change the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus 110 without changing the position andsize of the frame 223 displayed in the display region 222.

The user can change the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 byperforming operations as to the panorama image within the display region222, displayed larger than the frame 223, in accordance with the imagingrange.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the user can easily specify adesired position on a panorama image. Accordingly, the user can easilychange the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 using the terminalapparatus 120.

Second Embodiment

In the second embodiment, an example will be described where the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus 110 is changed after the user stops useroperations as to the terminal apparatus 120.

The deciding unit 124 of the terminal apparatus 120 according to thepresent embodiment decides the contents of the operation instructions tobe transmitted to the imaging apparatus 110 in accordance with theamount of operations accepted by the operating unit 126. For example,the deciding unit 124 decides a control value for moving the imagingdirection of the imaging apparatus 110 in the panning direction ortilting direction, in accordance with the amount of operations as to theoperating unit 126. Alternatively, the deciding unit 124 decides acontrol value for enlarging or reducing the field of view of the imagingapparatus 110, in accordance with the amount of operations as to theoperating unit 126.

The deciding unit 124 decides the amount of change for changing theimaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, in accordance with thedistance of the position of the image displayed in the display region222 on the image corresponding to the range which can be imaged bychanging the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, which has beenchanged by operations as to the display screen.

The distance of the position of the image displayed in the displayregion 222 on the image corresponding to the range which can be imagedby changing the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 can beobtained based on the distance on the display screen where the imagedisplayed in the display region 222 has been changed by operations as tothe display screen.

Also, the deciding unit 124 decides the amount of change by which tochange the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, in accordancewith the rate at which the size of the image displayed in the displayregion 222 in the image corresponding to the range which can be imagedby changing the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, changed byoperations as to the display screen.

The rate at which the size of the image displayed in the display region222 in the image corresponding to the range which can be imaged bychanging the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110, can be obtainedbased on the scale factor of enlargement or reduction of the imagedisplayed in the display region 222 by operations as to the displayscreen. Other configurations of the imaging apparatus 110 and theterminal apparatus 120 are the same as those described in the firstembodiment, so description will be omitted.

The operations of the terminal apparatus 120 in the present embodimentwill be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 . In a formwhere the control unit 122 of the terminal apparatus 120 has a processorand memory built in, the procedures illustrated in FIG. 7 are realizedby the control unit 122 loading a program stored in the storage unit 123to the memory 104 and executing the program. Alternatively, part or allof the processing illustrated in FIG. 7 may be performed by hardware.

First, in step S701, the control unit 122 accepts user operations inputto the operating unit 126. This accepting of user operations is the sameas the processing in step S601 in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

In step S702, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the useroperations have stopped. Determination of whether the user has stoppedoperations is the same as the processing of step S609 in FIG. 6 in thefirst embodiment. In a case where determination is made that useroperations have not been stopped (No in step S702), the control unit 122repeats the operations of steps S701 and S702. On the other hand, in acase where determination is performed that user operations have stopped(Yes in step S702), the control unit 122 advances the flow to step S703.

In step S703, the control unit 122 acquires the position of the frame223 in the entire panorama image. For example, the coordinatesindicating the position of the center of the frame 223 in thecoordinates of which the center of the panorama image is the origin, areobtained. The origin is not restricted to the center of the panoramaimage, and may be the vertices of the panorama image, or may be anypoint. Also, this is not restricted to a case of acquiring thecoordinates for the center of the frame 223, and the coordinates of thevertices or any point of the frame 223 may be acquired.

Next, in step S704, the control unit 122 acquires the size of the frame223 in the entire panorama image. For example, coordinates indicatingthe position of each vertex of the frame 223, with the center of thepanorama image as the origin, are obtained. In a case where the frame223 is a rectangle, coordinates at both ends of one diagonal of thediagonals of the frame 223 may be acquired. The origin is not restrictedto the center of the panorama image, and may be any vertex or any pointof the panorama image. Also, this is not restricted to cases of thevertex coordinates of the frame 223, and the percentage of area of theimage displayed in the frame 223 as to the entire area of the panoramaimage may be acquired.

The control unit 122 may execute the processing of step S703 and stepS704 at the same time by acquiring the coordinates of the vertices ofthe frame 223 in a coordinates system set for the entire panorama image.

In step S705, the control unit 122 decides the imaging direction of theimaging apparatus 110 in accordance with what has been acquired in stepS703. The control unit 122 decides the imaging direction of the imagingapparatus 110 so that the relative position of the imaging range of theimaging apparatus 110 as within the range which can be imaged by theimaging apparatus 110 corresponds to the relative position of the frame223 in the entire panorama image.

In step S706, the control unit 122 decides the field of view of theimaging apparatus 110 in accordance with what has been acquired in stepS704. The control unit 122 decides the field of view of the imagingapparatus 110 so that the relative size of the imaging range of theimaging apparatus 110 as within the range which can be imaged by theimaging apparatus 110 corresponds to the relative size of the frame 223in the entire panorama image.

In step S707, the control unit 122 controls the communication unit 121to output to the imaging apparatus 110 operation instructions to changethe imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110.

The operation instructions output to the imaging apparatus 110 includeinstructions of the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 inaccordance with what has been decided in step S705. The operationinstructions output to the imaging apparatus 110 also includeinstructions of the field of view of the imaging apparatus 110 inaccordance with what has been decided in step S706.

Thus, the terminal apparatus 120 can change the imaging range of theimaging apparatus 110 so that the range corresponding to the imagedisplayed in the frame 223 is the imaging range of the imaging apparatus110.

Next, the deciding of the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110in step S705 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . A pan angle p1illustrated in FIG. 8 illustrates the pan angle of the current imagingdirection as to the reference direction R for the imaging direction ofthe imaging apparatus 110. A tilt angle t1 illustrated in FIG. 8illustrates the tilt angle of the current imaging direction as to thereference position for the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus110. A field of view z1 illustrated in FIG. 8 illustrates the field ofview of the imaging apparatus 110.

The width and height of the range 823 are set so as to maintain anaspect ratio, which is the ratio of the long sides and short sides ofthe imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110. The pan angle p1, tiltangle t1, and field of view z1, are decided from the positionalrelationship between the range 210 corresponding to the entire panoramaimage and the range 823.

For example, description will be made regarding a case where the centerof the range 823 and the center of the range 822 match. In a coordinatessystem on the range 210 of which any point in the range 210 is theorigin, the range 823 is set to the center of the range 822 beforehand,so if the coordinates of the center of the range 822 are (x, y), thecontrol values of the pan angle p1 and tilt angle t1 are (x, y).

Also, in a case where the range 822 has been enlarged or reduced, therange 823 is enlarged or reduced in accordance to the range 822. Thus,the zoom z1 is decided.

According to the present embodiment, the user can change the imagingrange of the imaging apparatus 110 without changing the position andsize of the frame 223 displayed on the display region 222.

The user can change the imaging range of the imaging apparatus 110 byperforming operations as to the panorama image within the display region222 which is displayed larger than the frame 223 in accordance with theimaging range.

Thus, according to the second embodiment, the user can easily specify adesired position on a panorama image according to the present invention.Accordingly, the user can easily change the imaging range of the imagingapparatus 110 using the terminal apparatus 120.

Third Embodiment

In a case where a wide-angle image is displayed in the display region222, moving the image displayed in the display region 222 changes theimaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 more as compared to acase where an image with a small field of view is displayed in thedisplay region 222. Accordingly, fine operations of the imagingdirection of the imaging apparatus 110 may be less easy for the user ina case where a wide-angle image is displayed in the display region 222.

Accordingly, a case will be described in the third embodiment regardingchanging the distance of moving the region displayed in the displayregion 222 over the panorama image, in accordance with the enlargementscale factor of the image displayed in the display region 222. Theconfigurations of the imaging apparatus 110 and the terminal apparatus120 are the same as described in the first embodiment, so descriptionthereof will be omitted.

The control unit 122 of the terminal apparatus 120 according to thepresent embodiment changes the distance to move the region displayed inthe display region 222 over the panorama image in accordance with thescale factor of enlargement of the image displayed in the display region222, with regard to certain operations performed by the user.

For example, assumption will be made that the display scale factor ofthe panorama image displayed in the display region 222 is a first scalefactor. Assumption will be made that at this time, the user performing aswipe operation in a state with a finger in contact with or in proximitywith the screen over a first distance of movement causes the rangedisplayed in the display region 222 to move over the panorama image by asecond distance.

Assumption will also be made that the display scale factor of thepanorama image displayed in the display region 222 is a second scalefactor which is larger than the first scale factor. That is to say, thepanorama image is displayed in the display region 222 in a mannerenlarged as compared to a case of being displayed at the first scalefactor.

Assumption will be made that at this time, the user performing a swipeoperation in a state with a finger in contact with or in proximity withthe screen over the first distance of movement causes the rangedisplayed in the display region 222 to move over the panorama image by athird distance.

The control unit 122 of the terminal apparatus 120 controls the displayunit 125 in the present embodiment so that the second distance isshorter than the third distance. Thus, the user can perform fineoperations of the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 110 even incases where the display scale factor of the panorama image displayed inthe display region 222 is small.

Conversely, the control unit 122 of the terminal apparatus 120 maycontrol the display unit 125 so that the third distance is shorter thanthe second distance. According to this arrangement, the imagingdirection of the imaging apparatus 110 can be changed with a smallamount of operations, even in a case where the scale factor of thepanorama image displayed in the display region 222 is large.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been describedin the first through third embodiments, the present invention is notrestricted to these embodiments, and various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the essence thereof.

While description has been made in the above first through thirdembodiments regarding an example of using a panorama image generatedbased on an imaged image imaged by the imaging apparatus 110, this isnot restrictive. It is sufficient to be an image representing the rangeover which the imaging apparatus 110 can image. For example, a mapillustrating the positions of objects present in the range where theimaging apparatus can image, may be used instead of the panorama image.

The user can operate the terminal apparatus 120 so that a desired regionin the map is displayed within the frame 223, thereby controlling theimaging apparatus 110 so as to image an imaging range corresponding tothe region of the map included in the frame 223.

Also, while description has been made in the above first through thirdembodiments regarding an example where the entire panorama image whichcan be displayed in the display region 222 corresponds to the entirerange where the imaging apparatus 110 can image, this is notrestrictive.

For example, in a case where, of the range which the imaging apparatus110 can image by changing the imaging range, the range which theterminal apparatus 120 can view is restricted, the range of the imagewhich is displayed on the display region 222 of the terminal apparatus120 may be restricted. That is to say, the range of the image which canbe displayed on the display region 222 may be restricted to the rangewhich the terminal apparatus 120 can view.

Also, the frame 223 does not necessarily have to be displayed. It issufficient for an imaging range corresponding to the image displayed ina predetermined region of the display region 222 to be set beforehand sothat the imaging apparatus 110 imaging this imaging range.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display control apparatus comprising a computerexecuting instructions that, when executed by the computer, cause thecomputer to function as: a display control unit configured to cause adisplay unit to display, in a first region of a screen, at least a partof a first image, display, in the first region of the screen, anindicator overlapping with a first portion of the first image, anddisplay, in a second region of the screen, an image corresponding to thefirst portion overlapping with the indicator, wherein the first regionand the second region are not overlapped with each other; and areception unit configured to receive an operation for moving the firstimage, wherein, in a case where (i) the operation on the first region isreceived, (ii) the first image is partially displayed in the firstregion, and (iii) the image corresponding to the first portion of thefirst image is displayed in the second region, the display control unitis configured to cause the display unit to move, in the first region,the first image so that the indicator overlaps with a second portion ofthe first image while a position of the indicator is fixed with respectto the screen without moving and a position of the first region is fixedwith respect to the screen without moving, and the display control unitis configured to cause the display unit to display, in the secondregion, an image corresponding to the second portion overlapping withthe indicator.
 2. The display control apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first image is an image comprising a plurality of imagescaptured by an imaging unit.
 3. The display control apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein the first image is an image in which a plurality ofimages captured by the imaging unit is composited.
 4. The displaycontrol apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first image is animage in which a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit isstitched.
 5. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe indicator is rectangular.
 6. The display control apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the indicator is a frame.
 7. The display controlapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a touch panel,wherein the operation is an operation performed on the touch panel. 8.The display control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theoperation is a flick operation.
 9. The display control apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein the operation is a swipe operation. 10.The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstimage is a panoramic image.
 11. The display control apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the display control unit is configured to cause thedisplay unit to display the indicator in a region including a center ofthe first region.
 12. The display control apparatus according to claim1, wherein the indicator is smaller than the first region.
 13. Thedisplay control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first end ofthe first region corresponds to a first end of the screen, and a secondend of the first region different from the first end of the first regioncorresponds to a second end of the screen different from the first endof the screen.
 14. A display apparatus comprising: the display controlapparatus according to claim 1; and the display unit configured todisplay the at least part of the first image, the indicator and theimage corresponding to the region in the first image overlapped by theindicator.
 15. An imaging system comprising: the display controlapparatus according to claim 1; the display unit configured to displaythe at least part of the first image, the indicator and an imagecorresponding to the region in the first image overlapped by theindicator; and an imaging unit configured to capture images included inthe first image and the image corresponding to the region in the firstimage overlapped by the indicator.
 16. A display control methodcomprising: causing a display unit to display, in a first region of ascreen, at least a part of a first image, display, in the first regionof the screen, an indicator overlapping with a first portion of thefirst image, and display, in a second region of the screen, an imagecorresponding to the first portion overlapping with the indicator,wherein the first region and the second region are not overlapped witheach other; receiving an operation for moving the first image; in a casewhere (i) the operation on the first region is received, (ii) the firstimage is partially displayed in the first region, and (iii) the imagecorresponding to the first portion of the first image is displayed inthe second region, causing the display unit to move, in the firstregion, the first image so that the indicator overlaps with a secondportion of the first image while a position of the indicator is fixedwith respect to the screen without moving and a position of the firstregion is fixed with respect to the screen without moving; and causingthe display unit to display, in the second region, an imagecorresponding to the second portion overlapping with the indicator. 17.The display control method according to claim 16, wherein the firstimage is an image comprising a plurality of images captured by animaging unit.
 18. The display control method according to claim 17,wherein the first image is an image in which a plurality of imagescaptured by the imaging unit is composited.
 19. The display controlmethod according to claim 17, wherein the first image is an image inwhich a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit is stitched.20. The display control method according to claim 16, wherein theindicator is rectangular.
 21. The display control method according toclaim 16, wherein the indicator is a frame.
 22. The display controlmethod according to claim 16, further comprising a touch panel, whereinthe operation is performed on the touch panel.
 23. The display controlmethod according to claim 22, wherein the operation is a flickoperation.
 24. The display control method according to claim 22, whereinthe operation is a swipe operation.
 25. The display control methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the first image is a panoramic image. 26.The display control method according to claim 16, wherein the indicatoris displayed in a region including a center of the first region.
 27. Thedisplay control method according to claim 16, wherein indicator issmaller than the first region.
 28. The display control method accordingto claim 16, wherein a first end of the first region corresponds to afirst end of the screen, and a second end of the first region differentfrom the first end of the first region corresponds to a second end ofthe screen different from the first end of the screen.
 29. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium which stores a programfor executing a display control method, the display control methodcomprising: causing a display unit to display, in a first region of ascreen, at least a part of a first image, display, in the first regionof the screen, an indicator overlapping with a first portion of thefirst image, and display, in a second region of the screen, an imagecorresponding to the first portion overlapping with the indicator,wherein the first region and the second region are not overlapped witheach other; receiving an operation for moving the first image; in a casewhere (i) the operation on the first region is received, (ii) the firstimage is partially displayed in the first region, and (iii) the imagecorresponding to the first portion of the first image is displayed inthe second region, causing the display unit to move, in the firstregion, the first image so that the indicator overlaps with a secondportion of the first image while a position of the indicator is fixedwith respect to the screen without moving and a position of the firstregion is fixed with respect to the screen without moving; and causingthe display unit to display, in the second region, an imagecorresponding to the second portion overlapping with the indicator.